Jayson L Co1, Michael Benedict A Mejia1, Jocelyn C Que2, Janine Margarita R Dizon1. 1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines. 2. Center for Pain Medicine, University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mucositis is a disabling effect of radiotherapy in head and neck cancers. There is no current standard on management of radiation-induced mucositis. Honey has been shown to reduce radiation-induced mucositis. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to assess the ability of honey in reducing the severity of oral mucositis, time to mucositis, weight loss, and treatment interruptions. RESULTS: Eight studies were included and showed that honey was significantly better in lowering the risk for treatment interruptions, weight loss, and delaying time to mucositis, but not severity of mucositis. CONCLUSION: There is current evidence that honey is beneficial for patients with head and neck cancers by decreasing treatment interruptions, weight loss, and delaying the onset of oral mucositis, but not in decreasing peak mucositis score. In light of the results, honey is a reasonable treatment for radiation-induced mucositis, but more randomized clinical trials (RCTs) should be done.
BACKGROUND:Mucositis is a disabling effect of radiotherapy in head and neck cancers. There is no current standard on management of radiation-induced mucositis. Honey has been shown to reduce radiation-induced mucositis. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to assess the ability of honey in reducing the severity of oral mucositis, time to mucositis, weight loss, and treatment interruptions. RESULTS: Eight studies were included and showed that honey was significantly better in lowering the risk for treatment interruptions, weight loss, and delaying time to mucositis, but not severity of mucositis. CONCLUSION: There is current evidence that honey is beneficial for patients with head and neck cancers by decreasing treatment interruptions, weight loss, and delaying the onset of oral mucositis, but not in decreasing peak mucositis score. In light of the results, honey is a reasonable treatment for radiation-induced mucositis, but more randomized clinical trials (RCTs) should be done.
Authors: Suresh Rao; Sanath K Hegde; Pratima Rao; Chetana Dinkar; Karadka R Thilakchand; Thomas George; Manjeshwar P Baliga-Rao; Princy L Palatty; Manjeshwar S Baliga Journal: Foods Date: 2017-09-06